Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

A liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy, and contains a specific bicyclic compound having a large optical anisotropy and a small viscosity as a first component and a specific compound having a large maximum temperature and a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having a small viscosity as a third component, a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component and a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a fifth component, and a liquid crystal display device includes the composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a 371 application of an international PCT application serial no. PCT/JP2011/071972, filed on Sep. 27, 2011, which claims the priority benefit of Japan application no. 2010-235758, filed on Oct. 20, 2010. The entirety of each of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a liquid crystal composition mainly suitable for use in an active matrix (AM) device and so forth, and an AM device and so forth including the composition. In particular, the invention relates to a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a device that includes the composition and has a mode such as an in-plane switching (IPS) mode, a vertical alignment (VA) mode, a fringe field switching (FFS) mode or a polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode, and so forth.

BACKGROUND ART

In a liquid crystal display device, a classification based on an operating mode for liquid crystals includes a phase change (PC) mode, a twisted nematic (TN) mode, a super twisted nematic (STN) mode, an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode, an optically compensated bend (OCB) mode, an in-plane switching (IPS) mode, a vertical alignment (VA) mode, a fringe field switching (FFS) mode and a polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode. A classification based on a driving mode in the device includes a passive matrix (PM) and an active matrix (AM). The PM is classified into static, multiplex and so forth, and the AM is classified into a thin film transistor (TFT), a metal insulator metal (MIM) and so forth. The TFT is further classified into amorphous silicon and polycrystal silicon. The latter is classified into a high temperature type and a low temperature type according to a production process. A classification based on a light source includes a reflective type utilizing natural light, a transmissive type utilizing backlight and a transflective type utilizing both the natural light and the backlight.

The devices include a liquid crystal composition having suitable characteristics. The liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase. General characteristics of the composition should be improved to obtain an AM device having good general characteristics. Table 1 below summarizes a relationship of the general characteristics between two aspects. The general characteristics of the composition will be further explained based on a commercially available AM device. A temperature range of the nematic phase relates to a temperature range in which the device can be used. A preferred maximum temperature of the nematic phase is about 70° C. or higher and a preferred minimum temperature of the nematic phase is about −10° C. or lower. Viscosity of the composition relates to a response time in the device. A short response time is preferred for displaying moving images on the device. Accordingly, a small viscosity in the composition is preferred. A small viscosity at a low temperature is further preferred.

TABLE 1 General Characteristics of Composition and AM Device General Characteristics General Characteristics No. of Composition of AM Device 1 Wide temperature range of a nematic Wide usable temperature range phase 2 Small viscosity ¹⁾ Short response time 3 Suitable optical anisotropy Large contrast ratio 4 Large positive or negative dielectric Low threshold voltage and anisotropy small electric power consumption Large contrast ratio 5 Large specific resistance Large voltage holding ratio and large contrast ratio 6 High stability to ultraviolet Long service life light and heat ¹⁾ A liquid crystal composition can be injected into a liquid crystal cell in a shorter period of time.

An optical anisotropy of the composition relates to a contrast ratio in the device. A product (Δn×d) of the optical anisotropy (Δn) of the composition and a cell gap (d) in the device is designed so as to maximize the contrast ratio. A suitable value of the product depends on the type of the operating mode. The suitable value is in the range of about 0.30 micrometer to about 0.40 micrometer in a device having the VA mode, and in the range of about 0.20 micrometer to about 0.30 micrometer in a device having the IPS mode or the FFS mode. In the above case, a composition having a large optical anisotropy is preferred for a device having a small cell gap. A large absolute value of dielectric anisotropy in the composition contributes to a low threshold voltage, a small electric power consumption and a large contrast ratio in the device. Accordingly, the large absolute value of dielectric anisotropy is preferred. A large specific resistance in the composition contributes to a large voltage holding ratio and a large contrast ratio in the device. Accordingly, a composition having a large specific resistance at room temperature and also at a high temperature in an initial stage is preferred. A composition having a large specific resistance at room temperature and also at a high temperature even after the device has been used for a long period of time is preferred. Stability of the composition to ultraviolet light and heat relates to a service life of the liquid crystal display device. In the case where the stability is high, the device has a long service life. Such characteristics are preferred for an AM device for use in a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television and so forth.

A composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the TN mode. On the other hand, a composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the VA mode. A composition having a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the IPS mode or the FFS mode. A composition having a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the PSA mode. Examples of the liquid crystal composition having the negative dielectric anisotropy are disclosed in Patent literature Nos. 1 to 4 as described below.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   -   Patent literature No. 1: JP 2009-270026 A.     -   Patent literature No. 2: WO 2007-108307 A.     -   Patent literature No. 3: JP 2008-19425 A.     -   Patent literature No. 4: JP 2008-505235 A.

A desirable AM device has characteristics such as a wide temperature range in which a device can be used, a short response time, a large contrast ratio, a low threshold voltage, a large voltage holding ratio and a long service life. A shorter response time even by one millisecond is desirable. Thus, desirable characteristics of a composition include a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large positive or negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat. Another aim is to provide a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics, in particular, a liquid crystal composition satisfying a high maximum temperature, a large negative dielectric anisotropy and a small viscosity. A further aim is to provide a liquid crystal display device including such a composition. An additional aim is to provide a composition having characteristics such as a suitable optical anisotropy to be a small optical anisotropy or a large optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy and a high stability to ultraviolet light, and is to provide an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

Solution to Problem

The invention concerns a liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2) as a second component, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons; R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring A is independently:

and in the rings, at least one of ring A is:

Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy; and m is 1 or 2.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An advantage of the invention is a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, and a high stability to heat. One aspect of the invention is a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. Another aspect is a liquid crystal display device including such a composition. A further aspect is a composition having a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a high stability to ultraviolet light and so forth, and an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Usage of terms herein is as described below. A liquid crystal composition or a liquid crystal display device according to the invention may be occasionally abbreviated as “composition” or “device,” respectively. The liquid crystal display device is a generic term for a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display module. “Liquid crystal compound” means a compound having a liquid crystal phase such as a nematic phase or a smectic phase, or a compound having no liquid crystal phase but being useful as a component of the composition. Such a useful compound has a six-membered ring such as 1,4-cyclohexylene and 1,4-phenylene, and a rod-like molecular structure. An optically active compound and a polymerizable compound may be occasionally added to the composition. Even in the case where the compounds are liquid crystalline, the compounds are classified as an additive herein. At least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) may be occasionally abbreviated as “compound (1).” “Compound (1)” means one compound or two or more compounds represented by formula (1). A same rule applies to any other compound represented by any other formula. A term “arbitrary” shows that not only positions but also the number can be freely selected, but does not include the case where the number is 0 (zero).

A higher limit of a temperature range of the nematic phase may be abbreviated as “maximum temperature.” A lower limit of the temperature range of the nematic phase may be abbreviated as “minimum temperature.” An expression “having a large specific resistance” means that the composition has a large specific resistance at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase in an initial stage, and that the composition has a large specific resistance at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase even after the device has been used for a long period of time. An expression “having a large voltage holding ratio” means that the device has a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a high temperature in an initial stage, and that the device has a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase even after the device has been used for a long period of time. When characteristics such as an optical anisotropy are explained, values obtained according to the measuring methods described in Examples will be used. A first component includes one compound or two or more compounds. “Ratio of the first component” is expressed in terms of weight percent (% by weight) of the first component based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. A ratio of a second component or the like is also expressed in a similar manner. A ratio of the additive mixed with the composition is expressed in terms of weight percent (% by weight) or weight parts per million (ppm) based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.

A symbol R³ is used for a plurality of compounds in chemical formulas of component compounds. In two of arbitrary compounds among the plurality of compounds, a group to be selected by R³ may be identical or different. In one case, for example, R³ of compound (2) is ethyl and R³ of compound (2-1) is ethyl. In another case, R³ of compound (2) is ethyl and R³ of compound (2-1) is propyl. A same rule applies to a symbol R⁴, R⁵ or the like.

The invention includes the items described below.

-   Item 1. A liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric     anisotropy and contains at least one compound selected from the     group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component     and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds     represented by formula (2) as a second component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons; R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring A is independently:

and in the rings, at least one of ring A is:

Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy; and m is 1 or 2.

-   Item 2. The liquid crystal composition according to item 1, wherein     the second component is at least one compound selected from the     group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to formula (2-8):

wherein R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

-   Item 3. The liquid crystal composition according to item 2, wherein     the second component is at least one compound selected from the     group of compounds represented by formula (2-4). -   Item 4. The liquid crystal composition according to item 2, wherein     the second component is at least one compound selected from the     group of compounds represented by formula (2-8). -   Item 5. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items     1 to 4, wherein a ratio of the first component is in the range of 5%     by weight to 40% by weight, and a ratio of the second component is     in the range of 5% by weight to 95% by weight, based on the total     weight of the liquid crystal composition. -   Item 6. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items     1 to 5, further containing at least one compound selected from the     group of compounds represented by formula (3) as a third component:

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring B, ring C and ring D are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; and n is 0, 1 or 2, and when n is 0, at least one of ring C and ring D is 1,4-cyclohexylene.

-   Item 7. The liquid crystal composition according to item 6, wherein     the third component is at least one compound selected from the group     of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to formula (3-12):

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.

-   Item 8. The liquid crystal composition according to item 7, wherein     the third component is at least one compound selected from the group     of compounds represented by formula (3-1). -   Item 9. The liquid crystal composition according to item 7, wherein     the third component is at least one compound selected from the group     of compounds represented by formula (3-7). -   Item 10. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of     items 6 to 9, wherein a ratio of the third component is in the range     of 10% by weight to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the     liquid crystal composition. -   Item 11. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of     items 1 to 10, further containing at least one compound selected     from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a fourth     component:

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z⁴ and Z⁵ are independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy; X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine; Y¹ is hydrogen or methyl; and p is 1, 2 or 3, q is 0 or 1, and a sum of p and q is 1, 2 or 3.

-   Item 12. The liquid crystal composition according to item 11,     wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from     the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula     (4-9):

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

-   Item 13. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12,     wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from     the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1). -   Item 14. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12,     wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from     the group of compounds represented by formula (4-4). -   Item 15. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12,     wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from     the group of compounds represented by formula (4-6). -   Item 16. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of     items 11 to 15, wherein a ratio of the fourth component is in the     range of 5% by weight to 80% by weight based on the total weight of     the liquid crystal composition. -   Item 17. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of     items 1 to 16, further containing at least one compound selected     from the group of compounds represented by formula (5) as a fifth     component:

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring G and ring I are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z⁶ and Z⁷ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; and r is 0, 1 or 2, s is 0 or 1, and a sum of r and s is 1 or 2.

-   Item 18. The liquid crystal composition according to item 17,

wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-5):

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁹ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

-   Item 19. The liquid crystal composition according to item 18,     wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from     the group of compounds represented by formula (5-4). -   Item 20. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of     items 17 to 19, wherein a ratio of the fifth component is in the     range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight based on the total weight of     the liquid crystal composition. -   Item 21. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of     items 1 to 20, wherein a maximum temperature of a nematic phase is     70° C. or higher, an optical anisotropy (25° C.) at a wavelength of     589 nanometers is 0.08 or more, and a dielectric anisotropy (25° C.)     at a frequency of 1 kHz is −2 or less. -   Item 22. A liquid crystal display device including the liquid     crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 21. -   Item 23. The liquid crystal display device according to item 22,     wherein an operating mode in the liquid crystal display device is a     VA mode, an IPS mode, a FFS mode or a PSA mode, and a driving mode     in the liquid crystal display device is an active matrix mode. -   Item 24. Use of a liquid crystal composition in the liquid crystal     display device according to any one of item 22 or 23.

The invention further includes the following items: (1) the composition, further containing the optically active compound; (2) the composition, further containing the additive such as an antioxidant, an ultraviolet light absorber or an antifoaming agent; (3) an AM device including the composition; (4) a device including the composition, and having a TN, ECB, OCB, IPS, FFS, VA or PSA mode; (5) a transmissive device including the composition; (6) use of the composition as the composition having the nematic phase; and (7) use as an optically active composition by adding the optically active compound to the composition.

The composition of the invention will be explained in the following order. First, a constitution of the component compounds in the composition will be explained. Second, main characteristics of the component compounds and main effects of the compounds on the composition will be explained. Third, a combination of components in the composition, a preferred ratio of the component compounds and the basis thereof will be explained. Fourth, a preferred embodiment of the component compounds will be explained. Fifth, specific examples of the component compounds will be shown. Sixth, the additive that may be mixed with the composition will be explained. Seventh, methods for synthesizing the component compounds will be explained. Last, an application of the composition will be explained.

First, the constitution of the component compounds in the composition will be explained. The composition of the invention is classified into composition A and composition B. Composition A may further contain any other liquid crystal compound, the additive, an impurity or the like, in addition to the compound selected from compound (1), compound (2), compound (3), compound (4) and compound (5). “Any other liquid crystal compound” means a liquid crystal compound different from compound (1), compound (2), compound (3), compound (4) and compound (5). Such a compound is mixed with the composition for the purpose of further adjusting the characteristics. Of any other liquid crystal compounds, a ratio of a cyano compound is preferably as small as possible in view of stability to heat or ultraviolet light. A further preferred ratio of the cyano compound is 0% by weight. The additive includes the optically active compound, the antioxidant, the ultraviolet light absorber, a dye, the antifoaming agent, the polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator. The impurity includes a compound mixed in a process such as preparation of the component compounds. Even in the case where the compound is liquid crystalline, the compound is classified as the impurity herein.

Composition B consists essentially of compounds selected from compound (1), compound (2), compound (3), compound (4) and compound (5). A term “essentially” means that the composition does not contain any liquid crystal compound different from the compounds, excluding the additive and the impurity. Composition B has a smaller number of components than composition A has. Composition B is preferred to composition A in view of cost reduction. Composition A is preferred to composition B in view of possibility of further adjusting physical properties by mixing any other liquid crystal compound.

Second, the main characteristics of the component compounds and the main effects of the compounds on the characteristics of the composition will be explained. The main characteristics of the component compounds are summarized in Table 2 on the basis of advantageous effects of the invention. In Table 2, a symbol L stands for “large” or “high,” a symbol M stands for “medium,” and a symbol S stands for “small” or “low.” The symbols L, M and S represent classification based on a qualitative comparison among the component compounds, and 0 (zero) means “a value is nearly zero.”

TABLE 2 Characteristics of Compounds Compounds (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Maximum temperature M M to L S to L M to L M Viscosity S M to L S to M M to L L Optical anisotropy M to L M S to L M to L M to L Dielectric anisotropy 0 L 0 L L Specific resistance L L L L L

Upon mixing the component compounds with the composition, the main effects of the component compounds on the characteristics of the composition are as described below. Compound (1) decreases the minimum temperature, increases the optical anisotropy and decreases the viscosity. Compound (2) increases the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, decreases the minimum temperature and decreases the viscosity. Compound (3) decreases the viscosity, adjusts the suitable optical anisotropy and decreases the minimum temperature. Compound (4) increases the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, decreases the minimum temperature and decreases the viscosity. Compound (5) increases the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy and decreases the minimum temperature.

Third, the combination of components in the composition, the preferred ratio of the component compounds and the basis thereof will be explained. The combination of the components in the composition includes a combination of the first component and the second component, a combination of the first component, the second component and the third component, a combination of the first component, the second component and the fourth component, a combination of the first component, the second component and the fifth component, a combination of the first component, the second component, the third component and the fourth component, a combination of the first component, the second component, the third component and the fifth component, a combination of the first component, the second component, the fourth component and the fifth component, and a combination of the first component, the second component, the third component, the fourth component and the fifth component.

A preferred combination of the components in the composition includes the combination of the first component, the second component, the third component and the fourth component for increasing the maximum temperature or decreasing the viscosity, and the combination of the first component, the second component, the third component, the fourth component and the fifth component for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, decreasing the viscosity or decreasing the minimum temperature.

A preferred ratio of the first component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the optical anisotropy and decreasing the viscosity, and about 40% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 10% by weight to about 35% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 15% by weight to about 30% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the second component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, and about 95% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 10% by weight to about 70% by weight for decreasing the viscosity. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the third component is about 10% by weight or more for decreasing the viscosity, and about 90% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 20% by weight to about 80% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 30% by weight to about 70% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the fourth component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, and about 80% or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 15% by weight to about 70% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 30% by weight to about 60% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the fifth component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, and about 40% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 7% by weight to about 30% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 10% by weight to about 20% by weight.

Fourth, the preferred embodiment of the component compounds will be explained.

R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, R³, R⁴, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, and R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.

Preferred R¹ or R² is alkyl having 1 to 5 carbons for decreasing the minimum temperature. Further preferred R¹ or R² is alkyl having 1 to 3 carbons for decreasing the viscosity. Preferred R³, R⁴, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹ or R¹⁰ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons for decreasing the minimum temperature or decreasing the viscosity. Further preferred R⁴, R⁸ or R¹⁰ is alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy. Preferred R⁵ or R⁶ is alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons for decreasing the minimum temperature or decreasing the viscosity, and alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat.

Preferred alkyl is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl. Further preferred alkyl is ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl or heptyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkoxy is methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy or heptyloxy. Further preferred alkoxy is methoxy or ethoxy for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl or 5-hexenyl. Further preferred alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 3-butenyl or 3-pentenyl for decreasing the viscosity. A preferred configuration of —CH═CH— in the alkenyl depends on a position of a double bond. Trans is preferred in the alkenyl such as 1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 3-pentenyl and 3-hexenyl for decreasing the viscosity, for instance. C is preferred in the alkenyl such as 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl and 2-hexenyl. In the alkenyl, straight-chain alkenyl is preferred to branched-chain alkenyl.

Preferred examples of alkenyl in which at least one of hydrogen is replaced by halogen include 2,2-difluorovinyl, 3,3-difluoro-2-propenyl, 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl, 5,5-difluoro-4-pentenyl and 6,6-difluoro-5-hexenyl. Further preferred examples include 2,2-difluorovinyl and 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Alkyl does not include cyclic alkyl. Alkoxy does not include cyclic alkoxy. Alkenyl does not include cyclic alkenyl.

Then, m is 1 or 2. Preferred m is 2 for increasing the maximum temperature, and 1 for decreasing the viscosity.

Then, n is 0, 1 or 2. Preferred n is 2 for increasing the maximum temperature and 0 for decreasing the viscosity. Further preferred n is 0 for decreasing the viscosity.

Then, p is 1, 2 or 3, q is 0 or 1, and a sum of p and q is 1, 2 or 3. Preferred p is 1 or 2 for decreasing the viscosity. Preferred q is 1 for increasing the optical anisotropy, and 0 for decreasing the viscosity.

Moreover, r is 0, 1 or 2, s is 0 or 1, and a sum of r and s is 1 or 2. Preferred r is 2 for increasing the maximum temperature, and 1 for decreasing the viscosity. Preferred s is 1 for increasing the maximum temperature, and 0 for decreasing the minimum temperature.

Ring A is independently:

and in the rings, at least one of ring A is:

two of ring A when m is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred ring A is:

for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, and 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy.

Ring B, ring C and ring D are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, and when n is 0, at least one of ring C and ring D is 1,4-cyclohexylene, and two of arbitrary ring B when n is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred ring B, ring C or ring D is 1,4-cyclohexylene for increasing the maximum temperature, and 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy.

Ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, and two of arbitrary ring E when p is 2 or 3 may be identical or different. Preferred ring E or ring F is 1,4-cyclohexylene for increasing the maximum temperature, and 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy.

Ring G and ring I are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, and two of ring G when r is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred ring G or ring I is 1,4-cyclohexylene for increasing the maximum temperature, and 1,4-phenylene for decreasing the minimum temperature.

With regard to a configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene, trans is preferred to cis for increasing the maximum temperature.

X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine. Preferred X¹ or X² is fluorine for decreasing the viscosity.

Y¹ is hydrogen or methyl. Preferred Y¹ is hydrogen for decreasing the viscosity, and methyl for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat.

Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy, two of arbitrary Z¹ when m is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred Z¹ is a single bond or ethylene for decreasing the viscosity, and methyleneoxy for increasing the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy.

Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy, two of arbitrary Z² when n is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred Z² or Z³ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity, and methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Z⁴ and Z⁵ are independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy, and two of Z⁴ when p is 2 or 3 may be identical or different. Preferred Z⁴ or Z⁵ is a single bond or ethylene for decreasing the viscosity, and methyleneoxy for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Z⁶ and Z⁷ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy, and two of arbitrary Z⁶ when r is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred Z⁶ or Z⁷ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity, and methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Fifth, the specific examples of the component compounds will be shown.

In preferred compounds as described below, R¹¹ and R¹² are independently straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 7 carbons, R¹³ is straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, R¹⁴ is straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, straight-chain alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

Preferred compound (1) includes compound (1-1). Preferred compound (2) includes compound (2-1-1) to compound (2-8-1). Further preferred compound (2) includes compound (2-3-1) from compound (2-8-1). Particularly preferred compound (2) includes compound (2-3-1), compound (2-4-1) and compound (2-8-1). Preferred compound (3) includes compound (3-1-1) to compound (3-12-1). Further preferred compound (3) includes compound (3-1-1), and compound (3-4-1) to compound (3-12-1). Particularly preferred compound (3) includes compound (3-1-1), compound (3-6-1), compound (3-7-1) and compound (3-12-1). Preferred compound (4) includes compound (4-1-1) to compound (4-9-1). Further preferred compound (4) includes compound (4-1-1) to compound (4-7-1). Particularly preferred compound (4) includes compound (4-1-1), compound (4-3-1), compound (4-4-1), compound (4-6-1) and compound (4-7-1). Preferred compound (5) includes compound (5-1-1) to compound (5-5-1). Further preferred compound (5) includes compound (5-4-1).

Sixth, the additive that may be mixed with the composition will be explained. Such an additive includes the optically active compound, the antioxidant, the ultraviolet light absorber, the dye, the antifoaming agent, the polymerizable compound and the polymerization initiator. The optically active compound is mixed with the composition for the purpose of inducing a helical structure in liquid crystals to give a twist angle. Examples of such a compound include compound (6-1) to compound (6-4). A preferred ratio of the optically active compound is about 5% by weight or less. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 0.01% by weight to about 2% by weight.

The antioxidant is mixed with the composition for the purpose of preventing a decrease in the specific resistance as caused by heating in air, or maintaining a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase after the device has been used for a long period of time.

Preferred examples of the antioxidant include compound (7) where w is an integer from 1 to 9. In compound (7), preferred w is 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. Further preferred w is 1 or 7. Compound (7) where w is 1 is effective in preventing a decrease in the specific resistance as caused by heating in air because the compound (7) has a large volatility. Compound (7) where w is 7 is effective in maintaining a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase even after the device has been used for a long period of time because the compound (7) has a small volatility. A preferred ratio of the antioxidant is about 50 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof, and about 600 ppm or less for avoiding a decrease in the maximum temperature or avoiding an increase in the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

Preferred examples of the ultraviolet light absorber include a benzophenone derivative, a benzoate derivative and a triazole derivative. A light stabilizer such as an amine having steric hindrance is also preferred. A preferred ratio of the ultraviolet light absorber or the stabilizer is about 50 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof, and about 10,000 ppm or less for avoiding a decrease in the maximum temperature or avoiding an increase in the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm.

A dichroic dye such as an azo dye or an anthraquinone dye is mixed with the composition to be adapted for a device having a guest host (GH) mode. A preferred ratio of the dye is in the range of about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight. The antifoaming agent such as dimethyl silicone oil or methyl phenyl silicone oil is mixed with the composition for preventing foam formation. A preferred ratio of the antifoaming agent is about 1 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof, and about 1,000 ppm or less for avoiding a poor display. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 1 ppm to about 500 ppm.

The polymerizable compound is mixed with the composition to be adapted for the device having the polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode. Preferred examples of the polymerizable compound include a compound having a polymerizable group, such as an acrylate, a methacrylate, a vinyl compound, a vinyloxy compound, a propenyl ether, an epoxy compound (oxirane, oxetane) and a vinyl ketone. Particularly preferred examples include an acrylate derivative or a methacrylate derivative. A preferred ratio of the polymerizable compound is about 0.05% by weight or more for achieving the effect thereof, and about 10% by weight or less for avoiding a poor display. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight. The polymerizable compound is preferably polymerized by irradiation with ultraviolet light or the like in the presence of a suitable initiator such as a photopolymerization initiator. Suitable conditions for polymerization, suitable types of the initiator and suitable amounts thereof are known to a person skilled in the art and are described in literatures. For example, Irgacure 651 (registered tradename; BASF), Irgacure 184 (registered tradename; BASF) or Darocure 1173 (registered tradename; BASF), each being a photoinitiator, is suitable for radical polymerization. A preferred ratio of the photopolymerization initiator is in the range of about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight of the polymerizable compound, and a particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight.

Seventh, the methods for synthesizing the component compounds will be explained. The compounds can be prepared according to known methods. Examples of synthetic methods will be shown. Compound (1-1) is prepared by the method described in JP S52-53783 A. Compound (2-4-1) is prepared by the method described in JP 2000-008040 A. Compound (3-1-1) is prepared by the method described in JP S59-70624 A. Compound (4-1-1) and compound (4-4-1) are prepared by the method described in JP H2-503441 A. Compound (4-7-1) is prepared by the method described in JP S57-114532 A. Compound (5-4-1) is prepared by the method described in JP 2005-290349 A. The antioxidant is commercially available. A compound represented by formula (7) where w is 1 is available from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. Compound (7) where w is 7 and so forth are prepared according to the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,660,505 B.

Any compounds whose synthetic methods are not described above can be prepared according to the methods described in books such as Organic Syntheses (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Organic Reactions (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Comprehensive Organic Synthesis (Pergamon Press) and New Experimental Chemistry Course (Shin Jikken Kagaku Koza in Japanese) (Maruzen Co., Ltd.). The composition is prepared according to publicly known methods using the thus obtained compounds. For example, the component compounds are mixed and dissolved in each other by heating.

Last, the application of the composition will be explained. Most of the compositions of the invention mainly have a minimum temperature of about −10° C. or lower, a maximum temperature of about 70° C. or higher, and an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.07 to about 0.20. The device including the composition has a large voltage holding ratio. The composition is suitable for use in the AM device. The composition is particularly suitable for use in a transmissive AM device. A composition having an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.08 to about 0.25 may be prepared by controlling the ratio of the component compounds or by mixing with any other liquid crystal compound. The composition can be used as the composition having the nematic phase and as the optically active composition by adding the optically active compound.

The composition can be used for the AM device. The composition can also be used for a PM device. The composition can be used for an AM device and a PM device both having a mode such as PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, FFS, VA or PSA. Use for the AM device having the IPS, FFS or VA mode is particularly preferred. The devices may be of a reflective type, a transmissive type or a transflective type. Use for the transmissive device is preferred. The composition can also be used for an amorphous silicon-TFT device or a polycrystal silicon-TFT device. The composition can also be used for a nematic curvili position, and for a polymer dispersed (PD) device in which a three-dimensional network-polymer is formed in the composition.near aligned phase (NCAP) device prepared by microencapsulating the com

EXAMPLES

In order to evaluate a composition and a compound to be contained in the composition, the composition and the compound were made a measurement object. When the measurement object was the composition, the composition was measured as was, and values obtained were described. When the measurement object was the compound, a sample for measurement was prepared by mixing the compound (15% by weight) with mother liquid crystals (85% by weight). Values of characteristics of the compound were calculated using values obtained by measurement, according to an extrapolation method: (extrapolated value)={(measured value of a sample)−0.85×(measured value of mother liquid crystals)}/0.15. When a smectic phase (or crystals) precipitated at the ratio thereof at 25° C., a ratio of the compound to the mother liquid crystals was changed step by step in the order of (10% by weight: 90% by weight), (5% by weight: 95% by weight) and (1% by weight: 99% by weight). Values of a maximum temperature, an optical anisotropy, viscosity and a dielectric anisotropy with regard to the compound were obtained according to the extrapolation method.

Components of the mother liquid crystals and the ratio thereof were as described below.

Physical properties were measured according to the methods described below. Most of the methods were applied as described in a Standard of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (hereafter abbreviated as JEITA) (JEITA ED-2521B) as discussed and established in JEITA, or as modified thereon.

Maximum Temperature of a Nematic Phase (NI; ° C.): A sample was placed on a hot plate in a melting point apparatus equipped with a polarizing microscope and was heated at a rate of 1° C. per minute. Temperature when part of the sample began to change from the nematic phase to the isotropic liquid was measured. A maximum temperature of the nematic phase may be occasionally abbreviated as “maximum temperature.”

Minimum Temperature of a Nematic Phase (T_(c); ° C.):Samples each having a nematic phase were put in glass vials and kept in freezers at 0° C., −10° C., −20° C., −30° C. and −40° C. for 10 days, and then liquid crystal phases were observed. For example, when the sample maintained the nematic phase at −20° C. and changed to the crystals or the smectic phase at −30° C., T_(c) was expressed as “T_(c)≦−20° C.” A minimum temperature of the nematic phase may be occasionally abbreviated as “minimum temperature.”

Viscosity (Bulk Viscosity; η; Measured at 20° C.; mPa·s): A cone-plate (E type) rotational viscometer was used for measurement.

Optical Anisotropy (Refractive Index Anisotropy; Δn; Measured at 25° C.): Measurement was carried out by means of an Abbe refractometer with a polarizing plate mounted on an ocular, using light at a wavelength of 589 nanometers. A surface of a main prism was rubbed in one direction, and then a sample was added dropwise onto the main prism. A refractive index (n∥) was measured when the direction of polarized light was parallel to the direction of rubbing. A refractive index (n⊥) was measured when the direction of polarized light was perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. A value of optical anisotropy was calculated from an equation: Δn=n∥−n⊥.

Dielectric Anisotropy (Δ∈; measured at 25° C.): A value of dielectric anisotropy was calculated from an equation: Δ∈=∈∥−∈⊥. Dielectric constants (∈∥ and ∈⊥) were measured as described below.

(1) Measurement of dielectric constant (∈∥): An ethanol (20 mL) solution of octadecyl triethoxysilane (0.16 mL) was applied onto a well-washed glass substrate. After rotating the glass substrate with a spinner, the glass substrate was heated at 150° C. for 1 hour. A sample was put in a VA device in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 4 micrometers, and the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, a dielectric constant (∈∥) in the major axis direction of liquid crystal molecules was measured.

(2) Measurement of dielectric constant (∈⊥): A polyimide solution was applied onto a well-washed glass substrate. After calcining the glass substrate, rubbing treatment was applied to the alignment film obtained. A sample was put in a TN device in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 9 micrometers and a twist angle was 80 degrees. Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, a dielectric constant (∈⊥) in the minor axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured.

Threshold Voltage (Vth; Measured at 25° C.; V): An LCD-5100 luminance meter made by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for measurement. A light source was a halogen lamp. A sample was put in a normally black mode VA device in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 4 micrometers and a rubbing direction was anti-parallel, and the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. A voltage (60 Hz, rectangular waves) to be applied to the device was stepwise increased from 0 V to 20 V at an increment of 0.02 V. On the occasion, the device was irradiated with light from a direction perpendicular to the device, and the amount of light transmitted through the device was measured. A voltage-transmittance curve was prepared, in which the maximum amount of light corresponds to 100% transmittance and the minimum amount of light corresponds to 0% transmittance. A threshold voltage is a voltage at 10% transmittance.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-1; at 25° C.; %): A TN device used for measurement had a polyimide alignment film, and a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 5 micrometers. A sample was put in the device, and then the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-polymerizable adhesive. A pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V) was applied to the TN device and the device was charged. A decaying voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with a high-speed voltmeter, and area A between a voltage curve and a horizontal axis in a unit cycle was determined. Area B is an area without decay. A voltage holding ratio is a percentage of area A to area B.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-2; at 80° C.; %): A TN device used for measurement had a polyimide alignment film, and a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 5 micrometers. A sample was put in the device, and then the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-polymerizable adhesive. A pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V) was applied to the TN device and the device was charged. A decaying voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with a high-speed voltmeter, and area A between a voltage curve and a horizontal axis in a unit cycle was determined. Area B is an area without decay. A voltage holding ratio is a percentage of area A to area B.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-3; at 25° C.; %): Stability to ultraviolet light was evaluated by measuring a voltage holding ratio after a device was irradiated with ultraviolet light. A TN device used for measurement had a polyimide alignment film, and a cell gap was 5 micrometers. A sample was injected into the device, and then the device was irradiated with light for 20 minutes. A light source was an ultra high-pressure mercury lamp USH-500D (made by Ushio, Inc.), and a distance between the device and the light source was 20 centimeters. In measurement of VHR-3, a decaying voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds. A composition having a large VHR-3 has a large stability to ultraviolet light. A value of VHR-3 is preferably 90% or more, further preferably, 95% or more.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-4; at 25° C.; %): A TN device into which a sample was injected was heated in a constant-temperature bath at 80° C. for 500 hours, and then stability to heat was evaluated by measuring a voltage holding ratio. In measurement of VHR-4, a decaying voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds. A composition having a large VHR-4 has a large stability to heat.

Response Time (τ; Measured at 25° C.; ms): An LCD-5100 luminance meter made by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for measurement. A light source was a halogen lamp. A low-pass filter was set at 5 kHz. A sample was put in a normally black mode VA device in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 4 micrometers and a rubbing direction was anti-parallel, and the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. Rectangular waves (60 Hz, 10 V, 0.5 second) were applied to the device. On the occasion, the device was irradiated with light from a direction perpendicular to the device, and the amount of light transmitted through the device was measured. The maximum amount of light corresponds to 100% transmittance, and the minimum amount of light corresponds to 0% transmittance. A response time is a period of time required for a change from 90% transmittance to 10% transmittance (fall time; millisecond).

Specific Resistance (ρ; measured at 25° C.; Ωcm): Into a vessel equipped with electrodes, 1.0 milliliter of a sample was injected. A DC voltage (10 V) was applied to the vessel, and a DC current after 10 seconds was measured. A specific resistance was calculated from the following equation: (specific resistance)={(voltage)×(electric capacity of a vessel)}/{(direct current)×(dielectric constant of vacuum)}.

Gas Chromatographic Analysis: GC-14B Gas Chromatograph made by Shimadzu Corporation was used for measurement. A carrier gas was helium (2 mL per minute). A sample injector and a detector (FID) were set to 280° C. and 300° C., respectively. A capillary column DB-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm; dimethylpolysiloxane as a stationary liquid phase, non-polar) made by Agilent Technologies, Inc. was used for separation of component compounds. After the column was kept at 200° C. for 2 minutes, the column was heated to 280° C. at a rate of 5° C. per minute. A sample was prepared in an acetone solution (0.1% by weight), and then 1 microliter of the solution was injected into the sample injector. A recorder was C-R5A Chromatopac made by Shimadzu Corporation or the equivalent thereof. The resulting chromatogram showed a retention time of a peak and a peak area corresponding to each of the component compounds.

As a solvent for diluting the sample, chloroform, hexane and so forth may also be used. The following capillary columns may also be used for separating the component compounds: HP-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by Agilent Technologies, Inc., Rtx-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by Restek Corporation and BP-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by SGE International Pty. Ltd. A capillary column CBP1-M50-025 (length 50 m, bore 0.25 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by Shimadzu Corporation may also be used for the purpose of avoiding an overlap of peaks of the compounds.

A ratio of liquid crystal compounds contained in the composition may be calculated by the method as described below. The liquid crystal compounds can be detected by means of a gas chromatograph. A ratio of the peak areas in the gas chromatogram corresponds to a ratio (in the number of moles) of the liquid crystal compounds. When the capillary columns described above were used, a correction coefficient of each of the liquid crystal compounds may be regarded as 1 (one). Accordingly, a ratio (% by weight) of the liquid crystal compounds was calculated from the ratio of the peak areas.

The invention will be explained in detail by way of Examples. The invention is not limited by the Examples described below. The compounds in Comparative Examples and Examples were described using symbols according to definitions in Table 3 below. In Table 3, a configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene is trans. A parenthesized number next to a symbolized compound corresponds to the number of the compound. A symbol (−) means any other liquid crystal compound. A ratio (percentage) of the liquid crystal compounds is expressed in terms of weight percent (% by weight) based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition contains an impurity. Last, values of characteristics of the composition were summarized.

TABLE 3 Method for Description of Compounds using Symbols R—(A₁)—Z₁- - - -Z_(n)—(A_(n))—R′ 1) Left-terminal Group R— Symbol C_(n)H_(2n+1)— n- C_(n)H_(2n+1)O— nO— C_(m)H_(2m+1)OC_(n)H_(2n)— mOn- CH₂═CH— V— C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH— nV— CH₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— Vn- C_(m)H_(2m+1)—CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— mVn- CF₂═CH— VFF— CF₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— VFFn- 2) Right-terminal Group —R′ Symbol —C_(n)H_(2n+1) -n —OC_(n)H_(2n+1) —On —CH═CH₂ —V —CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1) —Vn —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ -nV —CH═CF₂ —VFF —OC_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ —OnV 3) Bonding Group —Z_(n)— Symbol —OC_(n)H_(2n)O— OnO —C_(n)H_(2n)— n —COO— E —CH═CH— V —CH₂O— 1O —OCH₂— O1 —SiH₂— Si 4) Ring Structure —A_(n)— Symbol

H

Ch

B

B(2F)

B(2CL)

B(F)

B(2F,3F)

B(2F,3CL)

B(2CL,3F)

B(3F,6F)

B(2F,3F,6Me)

dh

Dh

Cro(7F,8F) 5) Example of Description Example 1 1-BB-3

Example 2 3-HHB(2F,3F)-O2

Example 3 5-HBB(F)B-3

Example 4 3-HHB(2F,3F)-O2

Comparative Example 1

Example 7 was selected from Examples disclosed in JP 2009-270026 A. The reason is that the composition includes compound (1), compound (3) and compound (4). Components and characteristics of the composition are as described below.

1-BB-5 (1-1) 3% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 25% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 7% V2—BB (F) B-3 (3-6-1) 3% 3-HBBH-5 (3-9-1) 3% 5-HBB (F) B-3 (3-12-1) 6% V—HB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-1-1) 10% V—HB (2F, 3F)—O4 (4-1-1) 10% 5-BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 5% 3-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 10% 5-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 9% 3-H1OB (2F, 3F) B (2F, 3F)—O4 (-) 3% 5-H1OB (2F, 3F) B (2F, 3F)—O4 (-) 3% 5-HH1OB (2F, 3F) B (2F, 3F)—O4 (-) 3%

NI=82.2° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.113; η=25.7 mPa·s; Δ∈=−2.9; Vth=2.31 V.

Example 1

In the composition in Comparative Example 1, component compounds that do not correspond to a first component to a fifth component according to the present application were replaced by compound (2-4-1). The present composition was prepared and measurement was carried out by the methods described above. Components and characteristics of the composition are as described below. In Example 1, viscosity is smaller and an absolute value of dielectric anisotropy is larger, as compared with Comparative Example 1.

1-BB-5 (1-1) 3% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 25% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 7% V2—BB (F) B-3 (3-6-1) 3% 3-HBBH-5 (3-9-1) 3% 5-HBB (F) B-3 (3-12-1) 6% V—HB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-1-1) 10% V—HB (2F, 3F)—O4 (4-1-1) 10% 5-BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 5% 3-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 10% 5-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 9% 3-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 9%

NI=82.3° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.109; η=18.8 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.1; VHR-1=98.9%; VHR-2=97.8%; VHR-3=97.9%.

Comparative Example 2

Example 5 was selected from Examples disclosed in JP 2008-19425

A. The reason is that the composition includes a compound similar to compound (1), compound (3) and compound (4). Components and characteristics of the composition are as described below.

3-BB—O2 Similar to (1) 13% 5-BB—O2 Similar to (1) 5% 2-BB (F) B-3 (3-6-1) 5% 5-HBB (F) B-2 (3-12-1) 4% 5-HBB (F) B-3 (3-12-1) 4% 3-H2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-2-1) 14% 3-H2B (2F, 3F)—O4 (4-2-1) 7% 5-H2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-2-1) 14% 3-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 10% 4-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 6% 5-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 6% 3-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 8% 5-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 4%

NI=83.0° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.127; η=28.3 mPa·s; Δ∈=−2.8; Vth=2.57 V.

Comparative Example 3

Example M8 was selected from the compositions disclosed in JP 2008-505235 A. The reason is that the composition includes compound (1), compound (3) and compound (4). The present composition was prepared, and measurement was carried out by the methods described above. Components and characteristics of the composition are as described below.

1-BB-4 (1-1) 7% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 12% V—HHB-1 (3-4-1) 10% 3-HBB-2 (3-5-1) 10% 3-BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 19% 5-BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 17% 2-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 12% 3-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 13%

NI=72.3° C.; Tc≦−10° C.; Δn=0.147; η=20.3 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.4.

Example 2

1-BB-1 (1-1) 5% 1-BB-3 (1-1) 5% 3-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 3-DhHB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-3-1) 3% V—DhHB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-3-1) 3% 3-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 7% V2—HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 3% 1V2—HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 3% V—DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 4% 3-DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 6% 5-DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 5% 3-dhBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-8-1) 5% 5-DhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2) 5% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 23% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 8% 2-HH—2V1 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-8-1) 3% 3-HHEBH-5 (3-8-1) 4%

NI=83.8° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.096; η=19.1 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.4; VHR-1=99.6%; VHR-2=98.1%; VHR-3=97.9%.

Example 3

1-BB-1 (1-1) 3% 1-BB-3 (1-1) 7% 3-DhHB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-3-1) 5% 2-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 6% 3-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 7% V—DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 3% 3-DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 7% 5-DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 6% 3-DhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2) 6% 3-HH-5 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 30% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 6% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-8-1) 6% 3-HHEBH-5 (3-8-1) 3%

NI=84.3° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.084; η=18.4 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.4; VHR-1=99.5%; VHR-2=98.3%; VHR-3=98.1%.

Example 4

1-BB-3 (1-1) 5% 2-BB-3 (1-1) 5% 3-DhHB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-3-1) 5% 2-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 3% 3-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 7% V—DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 3% 3-DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 7% 5-DhH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-6-1) 6% 5-DhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2) 9% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 30% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 8% 3-HHEH-5 (3-3-1) 3% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-8-1) 6% 3-HHEBH-5 (3-8-1) 3%

NI=83.2° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.082; η=18.9 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.5; VHR-1=99.4%; VHR-2=97.8%; VHR-3=98.1%.

Example 5

1-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 3-dhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-1-1) 3% 5-Dh2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-2-1) 3% 5-DhH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-5-1) 5% 3-HH-5 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HH—O1 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 8% 3-HH—VFF (3-1) 10% 3-HB—O1 (3-2-1) 7% 5-HB (F) HH—V (3-10-1) 3% 5-HB (F) HH—V1 (3-10-1) 3% 5-HB (F) BH-5 (3-11-1) 5% 3-HB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-1-1) 8% 3-H2B (2F, 3F)—O4 (4-2-1) 8% 3-HHB (2F, 3F)-1 (4-4-1) 5% 3-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 8% 3-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 5% 5-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 8%

NI=85.3° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.093; η=18.5 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.4; VHR-1=99.6%; VHR-2=98.1%; VHR-3=98.1%.

Example 6

1-BB-1 (1-1) 5% 1-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 2-BB-3 (1-1) 5% 3-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 5-DhBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-7-1) 3% 5-DhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2) 3% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 6% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HH—VFF (3-1) 5% 3-HHB—O1 (3-4-1) 3% 3-HBB-2 (3-5-1) 5% 5-B (F) BB-3 (3-7-1) 3% 5-HBB (F) B-3 (3-12-1) 3% 5-BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 5% V2—BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 5% 1V2—BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 3% 5-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 5% 3-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 7% 5-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 8% 5-HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 5% 3-HHB (2F, 3CL)—O2 (4-8-1) 3% 2-BB (2F, 3F) B-4 (4-9-1) 3%

NI=83.9° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.135; η=18.7 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.5; VHR-1=99.1%; VHR-2=98.1%; VHR-3=98.2%.

Example 7

1-BB-3 (1-1) 5% 3-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 3-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 5% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 20% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 7% 1-HH—2V1 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HH—2V1 (3-1-1) 5% 2-BB (F) B-3 (3-6-1) 3% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-8-1) 5% 5-H2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-2-1) 10% 5-HHB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-4-1) 5% 4-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 5% 5-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 8% 5-H2Cro (7F, 8F)-5 (5-1-1) 3% 5-H1OCro (7F, 8F)-5 (5-2-1) 3% 3-HH2Cro (7F, 8F)-5 (5-3-1) 3% 5-HH1OCro (7F, 8F)-5 (5-4-1) 3%

NI=84.0° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.091; η=18.5 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.4; VHR-1=98.8%; VHR-2=97.6%; VHR-3=97.8%.

Example 8

1-BB-1 (1-1) 5% 1-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 3-BB-5 (1-1) 3% 2-HDhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-4-1) 5% 3-HH-5 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 11% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 6% 1-HH—2V1 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HHEH-5 (3-3-1) 5% V-HHB-1 (3-4-1) 6% 3-H2B (2F, 3F)—O4 (4-2-1) 9% 5-H2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-2-1) 5% 3-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 5% 3-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 3% 5-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 5% 3-HHB (2CL, 3F)—O2 (4) 3% 5-HB1OCro (7F, 8F)-5 (5-5-1) 3% 4O-Cro (7F, 8F) H-3 (5) 3% 3-HH1OB (2F, 3F, 6Me)—O2 (4) 3% 1O1-HBBH-4 (-) 5%

NI=83.4° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.099; η=18.7 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.3; VHR-1=98.9%; VHR-2=97.7%; VHR-3=97.8%.

Example 9

1-BB-3 (1-1) 6% 1-BB-7 (1-1) 3% 2-BB-3 (1-1) 4% 3-BB-5 (1-1) 5% 3-dhBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2-8-1) 4% 5-DhB (2F, 3F)—O2 (2) 6% 3-HH—V (3-1-1) 5% 3-HH—V1 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HH—VFF (3-1) 5% V2-BB (F) B-3 (3-6-1) 3% 5-B (F) BB-2 (3-7-1) 5% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-8-1) 3% 5-HBB (F) B-2 (3-12-1) 3% 8-BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 5% 1V2—BB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-3-1) 5% 3-HH2B (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-5-1) 5% 3-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 8% 4-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 4% 5-HH1OB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-6-1) 8% V2—HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 4% 1V2—HBB (2F, 3F)—O2 (4-7-1) 4%

NI=86.3° C.; Tc≦−20° C.; Δn=0.131; η=18.8 mPa·s; Δ∈=−3.4; VHR-1=99.1%; VHR-2=98.2%; VHR-3=97.6%.

The compositions in Example 1 to Example 9 have a smaller viscosity and a larger absolute value of dielectric anisotropy, as compared with the compositions in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and a higher maximum temperature and a smaller viscosity, as compared with the composition in Comparative Example 3. Thus, the liquid crystal composition according to the invention is so much superior in characteristics to the compositions shown in Patent literature Nos. 1 to 4.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention concerns a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. A liquid crystal display device including such a composition is applied to constitute an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth, and thus can be used for a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television and so forth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2) as a second component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons; R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring A is independently:

and in the rings, at least one of ring A is:

Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy; and m is 1 or
 2. 2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to formula (2-8):

wherein R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.
 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the first component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight, and a ratio of the second component is in the range of 5% by weight to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) as a third component:

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring B, ring C and ring D are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; and n is 0, 1 or 2, and when n is 0, at least one of ring C and ring D is 1,4-cyclohexylene.
 5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 4, wherein the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to formula (3-12):

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.
 6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 4, wherein a ratio of the third component is in the range of 10% by weight to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by foimula (4) as a fourth component:

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z⁴ and Z⁵ are independently a single bond, ethylene or methyleneoxy; X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine; Y¹ is hydrogen or methyl; and p is 1, 2 or 3, q is 0 or 1, and a sum of p and q is 1, 2 or
 3. 8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 7, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula (4-9):

wherein R⁷ and R⁸ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.
 9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1).
 10. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-4).
 11. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-6).
 12. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 7, wherein a ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 80% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 13. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5) as a fifth component:

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring G and ring I are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z⁶ and Z⁷ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; and r is 0, 1 or 2, s is 0 or 1, and a sum of r and s is 1 or
 2. 14. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 13, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-5):

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.
 15. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 13, wherein a ratio of the fifth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 16. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a maximum temperature of a nematic phase is 70° C. or higher, an optical anisotropy (25° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nanometers is 0.08 or more, and a dielectric anisotropy (25° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz is −2 or less.
 17. A liquid crystal display device, comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim
 1. 18. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 17, wherein an operating mode in the liquid crystal display device is a VA mode, an IPS mode, a FFS mode or a PSA mode, and a driving mode in the liquid crystal display device is an active matrix mode. 